Gary L Hooper
Rank: SRA (C)
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2007-06-08
His death is a tragic and needless one. Gary was obviously in great pain and unable to confide in any friend or family member for whatever reason.
This tragedy however <u>DOES NOT</u> diminish the man that was. Gary served his country with great honor and pride.
Let us remember…..
"Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain."
God Bless You All
Son, Husband, Father, Friend Gary was born on August 27, 1959 in Olympia to Frank and Eunice Hooper. He is survived by his wife, Angela, and daughter, Jennifer, as well as by his mother, Eunice Hooper, and brothers, Tom and Larry Hooper. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank. Gary attended Olympia High School, graduating in the Class of 1978.
He joined the United States Air Force soon after and served from 1978 to 1982, achieving the rank of Sergeant E-4. He returned to his hometown, where he met the girl next door, his wife, Angela. They married in 1984 and settled in Olympia, where their daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1987. Jennifer was the light of his life, sharing so much more than their strawberry-red hair. Some of his favorite times were spent hiking and camping with his daughter.
Gary truly had a lust for life. He loved fishing and hunting in Alaska and hiking and camping in areas of Washington and Alaska; more recently, he took up mountain climbing, scaling Mount Saint Helens and parts of Mount Rainier. In the last year, he became committed to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He had recently taken up bicycling with the goal of participating in the Seattle-To- Portland Bike Race. Gary was talented in many ways. His carefully hand-crafted home with its beautiful landscaping is a testament to his gardening and building skills. He had created a special place for family and friends and loved hosting giant barbecues.
Gary will be truly missed by his family, as well as by his many friends who shared his enthusiasm for nature and outdoor adventures. Additionally, he is grieved by his former coworkers at the Group Health Cooperative in Olympia, as well as by his current coworkers at the City of Lacey, where he worked as an inspector and plan reviewer.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at the Thurston Center at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Road S.E., Lacey.